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drakaina16's reviews
2159 reviews
To Those Willing to Drown by Mark Matthews
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
Mark Matthews weaves a family saga in not-so-many pages, but I really loved the lore in this book. Lucas Lamia is one of the most detestable villains I've read in a long time. No spoilers, but what he does is truly reprehensible. Torch Lake itself has its own interesting lore, and the stories come together in a spectacular way. I really loved the ending as well. 4.25 stars
Mark Matthews weaves a family saga in not-so-many pages, but I really loved the lore in this book. Lucas Lamia is one of the most detestable villains I've read in a long time. No spoilers, but what he does is truly reprehensible. Torch Lake itself has its own interesting lore, and the stories come together in a spectacular way. I really loved the ending as well. 4.25 stars
The Man Behind the Door by William F. Gray
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really enjoyed William F. Gray's two newest books, so I decided to read his debut novel. The Man Behind the Door is quite impressive for a first effort. I will admit the time jumps and the changes in perspective between the characters was a little confusing and jarring at first. But as the timelines converge, things come together quite nicely, and the ending managed to surprise me a bit. Gray has managed to craft characters that are sympathetic, despite the people they've become and the choices they make. Although a bit chaotic at first, stick with it. You'll be glad you did. 4.25 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is my new favorite Eric LaRocca book. I've always found the premises of his books intriguing, and, although he tells me terrible things, the prose is gorgeous. There are two stories-within-a-story here, which seems to be a common thing with this author, and something I quite enjoy. I found the whole thing extremely compelling and read it in three sittings. 4.75 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Biphobia, Child death, and Blood
The Mobius Door by Andrew Najberg
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The Mobius Door has a lot of characters, and a lot of moving parts, and all of this was handled very deftly (especially considering this is a debut). Although there are a lot of characters, I never felt lost as to who was whom, as sometimes happens with a large cast. The whole concept of the book is, frankly, very upsetting. Even moreso when the pieces start to come together and the cosmic horror really kicks in. A very impressive debut from Andrew Najberg. 4.25 stars
Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy.
Beasts definitely does not reinvent the wheel of dystopian horror fiction, but it does do a nice job of conveying tension. The reader is frequently reminded that danger lurks around every corner, and that there are no safe choices here. The language is very plain, but the themes are somewhat heavy. There are some deaths, but these largely occur off screen. I feel Beasts would be appropriate for a mature middle grade reader, and definitely high schoolers. 3.5 stars
Beasts definitely does not reinvent the wheel of dystopian horror fiction, but it does do a nice job of conveying tension. The reader is frequently reminded that danger lurks around every corner, and that there are no safe choices here. The language is very plain, but the themes are somewhat heavy. There are some deaths, but these largely occur off screen. I feel Beasts would be appropriate for a mature middle grade reader, and definitely high schoolers. 3.5 stars
Bloodstains by Gaslight by Red Lagoe
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press for providing a review copy.
Reading the synopsis of Bloodstains by Gaslight, I found the concept of vampires against the backdrop of an abusive relationship very intriguing. Vampires lend themselves very well to abuse allegories. The book is made even more tragic by the fact that the main characters are teenagers. Older teens, yes, but someone should have protected Reese. A very personal story, Red Lagoe explains perfectly the myriad of emotions someone leaving an abusive relationship goes through. This is a rough read, with some heavy-hitting triggers, so tread lightly. 4.5 stars
Reading the synopsis of Bloodstains by Gaslight, I found the concept of vampires against the backdrop of an abusive relationship very intriguing. Vampires lend themselves very well to abuse allegories. The book is made even more tragic by the fact that the main characters are teenagers. Older teens, yes, but someone should have protected Reese. A very personal story, Red Lagoe explains perfectly the myriad of emotions someone leaving an abusive relationship goes through. This is a rough read, with some heavy-hitting triggers, so tread lightly. 4.5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Locked In by Harrison Phillips
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
The Law by Jim Butcher
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The events of Battle Ground broke my heart so hard that I wasn't sure if I would ever return to Harry Dresden's Chicago. I'm glad I picked up The Law, though, because it reminded me why I love this series so much. It's a nice throwback to the earliest days of Harry Dresden, with some modern complications. 4.5 stars
Katja from the Punk Band by Simon Logan
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a fun book that could best described as futurepunk noir. I don't believe the book every outright says it takes place in the future, but that's definitely the vibe I got. 4 stars
Root Rot by Saskia Nislow
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy.
What a bizarre little book. Folk horror doesn't seem to quite fit, and neither does eco horror (although the book contains elements of both). The plot revolves around a family reunion, with an unnamed Narrator. The children in the house are referred to by what seems to be the Narrator's nicknames for them (The Liar, The Secret Keeper, etc). The book reads like a dopesick fever dream. I never quite knew what was going on, but I was riveted. I'm not 100% sure what was going on, but I do have some theories. If you're into weird horror, give this one a try. 4.25 stars
What a bizarre little book. Folk horror doesn't seem to quite fit, and neither does eco horror (although the book contains elements of both). The plot revolves around a family reunion, with an unnamed Narrator. The children in the house are referred to by what seems to be the Narrator's nicknames for them (The Liar, The Secret Keeper, etc). The book reads like a dopesick fever dream. I never quite knew what was going on, but I was riveted. I'm not 100% sure what was going on, but I do have some theories. If you're into weird horror, give this one a try. 4.25 stars